Ecclesiastical Commissioners

Commissioners established by statute, in England, principally for the purpose of preparing schemes for the improvement of the ecclesiastical system, especially as to the equalization of the revenues and duties of the various dioceses, and to provide for the cure of souls in parishes where assistance was required. Several of such schemes have been given effect to by orders in council. By 'later acts a fund has been vested in the commissioners to enable them to make provision for the cure of souls in populous districts, and provision is accordingly made for the creation of ecclesiastical districts and parishes, and the appointment of ministers ifherein. Phillim. Ecc. Law, 2090; 2 Steph. Comm. 748; St. 6 & 7 Wm. IV. c. 77; St. 13 & 14 Vict. c. 94; St. 29 & 30 Vict. c. Ill, etc. See "Parish."

In English Law. A body appointed to consider the state of the revenues, and the more equal distribution of episcopal duties, in the several dioceses. They were first appointed as royal commissioners in 1835; were incorporated in 1836, and now comprise all the bishops of England and Wales and the Lord Chief Justice, and other persons of distinction. 2 Steph. Com. 798.

In English law. A body corporate, erected by St. 6 & 7 Wm. IV, c. 77, empowered to suggest measures conducive to the efficiency of the established church, to be ratified by orders in council. Wharton. See 3 Steph. Comm. 156, 157.

Defined under Ecclesiastical in Black's Law Dictionary.